There’s a quick shot where Neo, the one, the christ figure who sees the world in it’s true shape and delivers the people from capitalism/the demiurge, has a pair of doves, a traditional symbol of peace, liberation, and the catholic holy spirit, framed above his head. And opposing him is Agent Elrond, holding a gigantic Israeli designed Desert Eagle Pistol, and directly above that pistol flies the red, white, and blue flag of the united states. In a scene where every single person except the lady in red is wearing black and white that flag is the only other thing with bright colors.

Placed over a gun pointed at the savior.

This movie is so fucking incredible. If you weren’t their in the twilight hours of the end of history, the last days of the century of atomic bombs and digital computers and slinkies, I don’t think you’ll ever really understand.

Also notice how a cop writing traffic tickets is clearly, unambiguously, and explicitly framed as the enemy. They shot so many fucking cops in this movie it was glorious. In the Matrix the terrorists were wise, enlightened, principled, and absolutely correct. They shot cops, blew up buildings, hacked computers, and they were unquestionably the good guys. Their cause was righteous and their means were justified.

Also, compared to Keanu’s role in Cyberpunk 77 decades later; a dreary, vapid story where revolution is unthinkable, liberation impossible, and there’s only empty violence and fancy graphics. And you work for the cops.